Abstract: The invention relates to the use of pre-engineered pills for use with drilling mud. By introducing pills of ground elastomer into the well, the pills can improve the lubricity of the mud as well as aiding in wellbore cleaning, prevention of bit balling and reduction of fluid loss to thief zones.

Abstract: A method and system for job backfill scheduling dedicated heterogeneous nodes in a multi-node computing environment. Heterogeneous nodes are grouped into homogeneous node sub-pools. For each sub-pool, a free node schedule (FNS) is created so that the number of to chart the free nodes over time. For each prioritized job, using the FNS of sub-pools having nodes useable by a particular job, to determine the earliest time range (ETR) capable of running the job. Once determined for a particular job, scheduling the job to run in that ETR. If the ETR determined for a lower priority job (LPJ) has a start time earlier than a higher priority job (HPJ), then the LPJ is scheduled in that ETR if it would not disturb the anticipated start times of any HPJ previously scheduled for a future time. Thus, efficient utilization and throughput of such computing environments may be increased by utilizing resources otherwise remaining idle.

Abstract: The invention is a novel drilling fluid additive comprising particles of elastomer which are capable of swelling upon contact with a hydrocarbon fluid. The swelling of the elastomer is gradual, allowing the elastomer to reach the lost circulation zone before significant swelling occurs. Once in the lost circulation zone, the polymer expands sealing off the lost circulation zone. A method for preventing drilling fluid loss is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for job scheduling (including backfill scheduling) dedicated heterogeneous nodes in a multi-node computing environment. Heterogeneous nodes in the computing environment are first discovered and grouped into homogeneous node sub-pools. For each sub-pool, a free node schedule is created so that the number of free nodes in the sub-pool may be charted over time. For each job in order of priority, using the free node schedules of only those sub-pools having nodes which may be used by a particular job, to determine the earliest time range capable of running the job. Once the earliest time range is determined for a particular job, scheduling the job to run in that earliest time range.

Abstract: The invention is a novel drilling fluid additive comprising particles of elastomer which are capable of swelling upon contact with a hydrocarbon fluid. The swelling of the elastomer is gradual, allowing the elastomer to reach the lost circulation zone before significant swelling occurs. Once in the lost circulation zone, the polymer expands sealing off the lost circulation zone. A method for preventing drilling fluid loss is also provided.

Abstract: An actuator housing securely attached to a back wall of a rotary helm unit mounted below the dashboard of a watercraft provides a mechanism for automatic control of the watercraft's rudder. The actuator housing encloses a wheel shaft extension passing through an axial bore in a back wall of the rotary helm unit. A first end of the wheel shaft extension within the actuator housing has a drilled out core containing a spring. The spring exerts a force against a pusher shaft axially aligned with the wheel shaft extension. A transverse pin integral with the pusher shaft is located adjacent a gear affixed to the pusher shaft. When the spring is overcome by a contra force exerted on the pusher shaft, the transverse pin seats within two oppositely positioned grooves on the wheel shaft extension and causes the wheel shaft to turn in response to a system of gears activated by an electric motor mounted adjacent the actuator housing.

Abstract: A method of assigning replacement rows and colums in a two dimensionally redundant array in which if the number of failures along a row exceeds the number of remaining redundant columns, then replacing that row with one of the redundant rows. The process is repeated in the opposite direction with the number of remaining redundant rows and columns being properly decremented. The process of reversing directions continues until the above condition is no longer satisfied.

Abstract: In producing CO.sub.2 from subterranean reservoirs at conditions apt to cause both aqueous and CO.sub.2 -rich liquid phases to flow in pipes conveying the fluid, the formation of hydrates is prevented by adding a specified type of inorganic electrolyte hydrate inhibitor in proportions capable of maintaining an effective concentration within the aqueous liquid phase.

Abstract: A boat steering assembly having a tiller lever for providing a steering input upon being pivoted about a first pivot axis and an actuating lever supported for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The ends of the levers are interconnected in order to pivot the tiller lever upon pivoting movement of the actuating lever and for positioning the levers in parallel relationship with one another in a neutral position. The length of the tiller lever from its first pivot is longer than the length of the actuating lever from its second pivot to their respective ends. There is also an acutator assembly comprising a reciprocating member having a hydraulically operated piston at each end which is slidably disposed for movement between two cylinders which are defined by a housing. A first end of an actuating lever is operatively connected to the housing and a second end extends out of the housing and is adapted for connection to a steering means.

Abstract: An axial piston pump assembly including a housing having first and second portions with the second portion being cup-shaped and closed by the first portion which defines a closure or cover. A cylinder barrel is rotatably supported in the housing and includes a plurality of piston cavities in which a plurality of pistons are reciprocatively supported. A cam reacts with the pistons for causing reciprocating movement of the pistons as the cylinder barrel is rotated about an axis of rotation. A spicket shaft extends from the cover portion of the housing and into a cavity in the cylindrical barrel. The spicket shaft has a thrust bearing supported at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulic pumping apparatus including a cylindrical housing member having an open upper end closed by a cover held in place by a snap ring. A rotor is rotatably supported in the housing and in turn supports a plurality of pistons which are parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The novelty resides in the swash plate assembly which includes an off-the-shelf bearing comprising two parallel plates with all bearings sandwiched therebetween with one of the plates engaging the pistons. An integral plastic ring member is disposed within the annular opening of the upper thrust plate of the bearing assembly and includes trunnions extending laterally in opposite directions for disposition in grooves in the cover member for changing the angle of inclination of the bearing assembly. An adjustment member extends through the cover for engaging the upper thrust plate of the bearing assembly to change the angle of the inclination thereof.